Arona signs new one-year deal with Wakefield Wildcats

Peter Smith

Cook Islands international forward Tinirau Arona has become the latest player to commit his immediate future to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.

Arona joined the club from NRL side Cronulla Sharks in the off-season and has signed a new one-year deal, with the option of a further year, which would keep him in at Wakefield until the end of 2018.

The 26-year-old forward made more than 60 NRL appearances for Cronulla and Sydney Roosters and featured in the 2013 World Cup.

Arona, who has played in 12 of Wildcats’ 14 games this year, said: “I am very happy.

“It is good to know I am secure here for another year and hopefully for a second year too.

“It was the right decision for me and my family and we are really happy here at the moment.

“I am now just looking forward to the rest of the season and the next.”

He added: “I’m enjoying my time playing under [coach] Chris Chester, he has brought a lot of structure and confidence to the team and I think this is what we needed.

“Earlier on in the season, when we were not doing so well, I knew there was only a matter of time before we started to bring some wins together and a lot of credit goes to Chezzy for doing this.”

Chester said: “It’s another great signing for the club. I have been really impressed with his professionalism around the club.

“He offers a lot both on and off the field and I’m delighted we’ve been able to extend his current deal.

“To have a player of his quality at the club for at least another year is great news for everybody.”

Chairman Michael Carter added: “I’m delighted Tinirau Arona has committed to the club for at least another year.

“He is obviously enjoying his time here, and has been an excellent acquisition for Wakefield Trinity.

“It also improves the stability of the playing squad year on year and with further contract renewals ongoing presently, we are probably only looking at a small number of new faces next season instead of the 12/13 that we’ve had to change for the last three years.